"Justin Masterson has thrown his sinker 71.8 percent of the time, highest among starters in the league this season. As a team, the Twins have hit .063 in at-bats ending in a sinker, the worst average in the league."

That run is on Gomes. Have to pitch to your defense. Can't let him slap a sinker to the left side of the infield. Gotta bury one in on the hands or throw the slider out there so he's out in front and pulls it on the ground.

He'll learn. Hopefully Francona says something to him about it.

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe

Parmelee entered the game with a .575 OPS against RHP. Figured Allen could get him out. He's been throwing the ball well in low leverage situations. Francona decided to give him a shot in a medium leverage spot and he pissed down his leg. It's not that Smith was hurt. Could have gone to Pestano for the 4-out hold if that was the case. He wanted to show confidence in Allen. It backfired and it'll take Allen a while to get it back.

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe

skatingtripods wrote:Parmelee entered the game with a .575 OPS against RHP. Figured Allen could get him out. He's been throwing the ball well in low leverage situations. Francona decided to give him a shot in a medium leverage spot and he pissed down his leg. It's not that Smith was hurt. Could have gone to Pestano for the 4-out hold if that was the case. He wanted to show confidence in Allen. It backfired and it'll take Allen a while to get it back.

There'll be plenty of chances to give Allen a shot when the pen's been well used. When everyone's rested, you've gotta go with your best - no excuses!

dazindiansfanuk wrote:Another point is Smith has now only worked 0.2 innings since last Saturday.... getting him regular use is as important as using your best arms in tight spots.

Also an important point. But, again, Francona made a calculated decision to use Allen. He has to answer to it. I gave the logic why and I imagine it's pretty close to what he's going to say when the media asks him why.

In retrospect, yes, he should have gone to Smith. But if Parmelee flies out, we're not having a discussion. Up to Allen to do his job when Francona puts his trust in him. He didn't.

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe

dazindiansfanuk wrote:Another point is Smith has now only worked 0.2 innings since last Saturday.... getting him regular use is as important as using your best arms in tight spots.

Also an important point. But, again, Francona made a calculated decision to use Allen. He has to answer to it. I gave the logic why and I imagine it's pretty close to what he's going to say when the media asks him why.

In retrospect, yes, he should have gone to Smith. But if Parmelee flies out, we're not having a discussion. Up to Allen to do his job when Francona puts his trust in him. He didn't.

Fair point.

Unless Smith's hurt/has the flu or something, then I think it's flawed logic.

When is "the time"? Because if May 3rd against a shitty hitter isn't "the time", then there is no time.

Allen can't develop any further if he's only pitching in blowouts.

It's not the time when you are fighting to get to .500 after a fairly un impressive startIts not the time when the team is on a small heaterIt's not the time when you finally get a big crowd down to the fieldIt's DEFINITELY not the time when I need a win outta Masterson to get some fantasy points